Chapter 17 - chapter 16

Lately, I've noticed that Aria-sama seems to be distancing herself from me. Did I do something wrong to make her angry, or am I just overthinking? Whatever the case, I feel uneasy.

I had just finished our daily training session with Eli and Aria-sama. As Aria-sama's personal butler, I was supposed to stay close, ready to respond to any command. However, today, she told me not to serve her.

As I walked down the hallway, my gaze fixed on the ceiling, my expressionless face betrayed none of my emotions. Eli, walking beside me, seemed to pick up on my unease. "Master Hayden?" she called. I didn't respond at first, so she poked my cheek. "Masterrr~"

Snapped back to reality, I looked at her. "Uh, yes?"

Eli studied me, blinking twice. "Are you thinking about something? You seem lost in thought lately."

I hesitated, debating whether to share my worries with her. In the end, I shook my head. "No, it's nothing... I think I'm just tired?"

Eli stared at me for a moment, then shrugged. "Okay, if you say so."

The afternoon wore on, and I was summoned by Aria-sama's father, Duke Owen.

Placing my hand on my chest, I slightly bowed. "Hayden," Duke Owen called. I looked up slowly. "Yes, sir?"

He seemed hesitant, as if grappling with his thoughts. "Well... I know you're Aria's personal butler, but starting tomorrow, I want you to do something different."

Something different? A wave of nervousness washed over me, but my cold, expressionless facade remained intact.

"What is it, sir?" I asked, keeping my voice steady.

He sighed and sank into his chair. "There's an upcoming war against the rebels at the border. Most of our strong knights are being called to serve, and that includes almost all the strong knights from every estate."

I glanced at him, wondering if I would be called to fight against the rebels.

"You don't have to worry; I won't ask you to fight," he continued. "You'll just have to protect someone for a week."

Protect someone? My heart raced at the thought, though my expression remained neutral.

"You know the second prince's birthday is coming up, right?" he prompted. I nodded, recalling the recent whispers. "Well, during the celebration, he will announce his engagement. This information was leaked, including the identity of his fiancée."

My stomach twisted at the implication. Would I have to watch Aria-sama suffer heartbreak? I clenched my fists behind my back, my mind racing with concern for her well-being. "Some people aren't happy with the king's orders. The day before yesterday, someone tried to kill the young lady. Fortunately, her personal knight saved her, but he's in bad shape."

Wait... someone tried to kill the protagonist? I couldn't remember that detail from the manga. Had I really forgotten it? "The king has requested that I send a strong knight from our estate to protect the second prince's fiancée. Hayden, can I ask you to take on this task for a week?"

I stared at Duke Owen, my expression unreadable, then finally spoke. "What about Aria-sama?"

He looked up thoughtfully. "I'll be the one to explain the situation to her. She should understand. However, I won't mention anything about the second prince's fiancée, as that information is too risky."

After an hour-long discussion, I returned to my room to pack what I needed. Concern for Aria-sama's safety weighed heavily on my mind, so I asked Eli to stay with her for protection. Thankfully, she agreed.

Carrying my briefcase, I approached the carriage. I hesitated, glancing back at the estate, reluctant to leave. I hoped I could see Aria-sama before I departed. Would I miss her? The thought struck me. "Is this what it feels like to part ways with a close friend?" In my past life, I never had anyone I could call a true friend, so I wasn't sure.

It saddened me that I wouldn't see Aria-sama for a week. It felt selfish to wish she would come and see me off; she probably didn't even know I was leaving. As the carriage began to roll away, I looked out the window at the estate one last time.

"See you in a week, Aria-sama."